Brett's sharing what it's like to work on Brafton's editorial team, plus a little about himself in this week's employee spotlight.

From day one at Brafton, Brett Haymaker’s goals were two-fold.

First, he decided that while he would inevitably make mistakes, he would strive to not make the same mistake twice. Next, he made it a point to improve himself every day, whether it was increasing the number of stories he wrote, improving how effectively and quickly he sourced those stories or how his presence in the office impacted others.

Ultimately, he committed to going above and beyond in tasks both large and small, and its a mission that’s proven largely successful.

As an associate managing editor, Brett said he’s had “a tremendous amount of freedom to impact my own direction and create opportunities for myself.”

“You know the saying, ‘Create your own luck’? I think I’ve been able to do that at Brafton, and I think they have rewarded and recognized me for my efforts.”

Whether approaching his managers, or even our CEO, Brett has been proactive in collaborating, solving problems and improving productivity among the entire editorial team in Chicago.

“It’s always seemed to me that one of Brett’s main goals in working at Brafton is making the company a better place for our employees,” Senior Director of Content James Conroy said. “Brett understands that having a happy and creatively challenged workforce has a lasting effect on the quality of products we provide and, ultimately, happier clients.”

Learn more about Brett in our Brafton Q&A:

Q: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A cartoonist.

Q: What do you think is the most important quality needed for success?

“Do your work, then step back.”

Brett and Team Brafton, following their first kickball win at the Chicago Sport and Social Club.

Brett and Team Brafton, following their first kickball win at the Chicago Sport and Social Club.

Q: What do you value most in a job?

I value the prospect of being challenged – not to the point of being overwhelmed – but also feeling like I have personal stake in the game, like what I am doing is making a difference.

Q: What is your most treasured possession?

A copy of Letters To A Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke that was passed down to me from a friend. It belonged to his grandfather, and he said it would change my life – and it did.

Q: Which day of the work week are you the most productive?

Thursday.

Q: What’s your favorite aspect of your job?

I enjoy making people laugh and enjoy themselves while they work.

“I am amazed and surprised every single day I come to work by the amount of creativity and talent that the Chicago Editorial team has at its disposal – both within the professional setting and outside. It has been a joy and a privilege to work alongside these folks.”

Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I would consider my greatest achievement being a father – but I haven’t had any children yet. I’ll keep you posted.

Q: Have any “hidden talents”?

Yes. I have many.

Q: If Brafton were a TV show, which character – from any sitcom, drama or reality show (of any time period) – would represent you?

I would be the “Close Talker” from Seinfeld. Ha, ha, ha!

Our Chicago editorial team is growing! Learn more about Brafton’s career openings.

Molly Buccini is Brafton's community manager. She joined the team with a background in digital journalism and social media. She's a theatre nerd, pop culture junkie and lover of summertime.